Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish national team coach, is known for his reluctance to alter his lineup, preferring to stick to the consistent style that led him to victory in the European Championship. He is now attempting to follow this successful strategy in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, but the cost of this approach may be high, as a number of talented players have been left out, despite deserving a place in the squad.
Among them is a surprising decision by de la Fuente to inform young defender Eric Garcia that his chances of participating in the upcoming World Cup appear very slim, unless exceptional circumstances arise, such as injuries or unforeseen changes to the lineup. This decision comes despite Eric being regarded as one of Barcelona’s best defenders and one of Spain’s most promising players at present.
Related topics
Eric Garcia’s performance level reflects significant improvement, combining confident passing with solidity in defensive duels, along with a variety of skills that have made him an indispensable member of his team. However, this does not seem to change de la Fuente’s firm stance, which has reduced Eric’s chances of participating in the global tournament.
The question remains: Will circumstances force de la Fuente to reconsider his decision? Or will Eric, despite his evident brilliance, remain excluded from the Spanish coach’s plans for the 2026 World Cup? Everything hinges on upcoming changes within the national team, as hopes are still pinned on adjustments that may occur in the final squad.
